ESP32 Forum

Hello!

I have two separate projects both built with ESP-IDF (project_1 and project_2). Project_2 also uses some GPL3.0 files so it is licensed under GPL3.0 itself. I use several app partitions:

-partition_1 - factory app partition (address 0x10000), project1.bin is flashed there
-partition_2 - other app partition (address 0x110000), project2.bin is flashed there

Launch scheme looks like this - if there is a high level on GPIO23, then partition_1 is set as boot partition otherwise partition_2 is boot partition. For example project2.bin is executing and high level is applied to GPIO23 then partition_1 becomes boot partition and ESP32 reboots with So there is only one project executing at any time. The question is - should project1 be licensed under GPL3.0 too just because it is flashed in the same device?

Thanks in advance.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. Consult a copyright lawyer if you need to get an actual informed decision.

As far as I read it, the GPLv3 covers a 'program' as the atomic unit it is covering. (Which is kinda confirmed by the fact that e.g. Raspberry Pi OS can deliver a bunch of non-GPL things with it.) I think you could make a very good point that ESP-IDF applications are even more standalone than programs (they don't even link to common libraries) and as such the GPLv3 should only cover them on a per-application basis, that is the requirements of the GPL license in one app should not extend to another app.

Thank you for the answer!
My thoughts are the same as yours at all points of view.